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Jan C. van Ours's
Scholarly Papers
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Total Downloads
5,008 |
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Citations
480 |
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1.
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Geert Ridder University of Southern California
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20 Sep 01
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04 Dec 03
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208 (41,001)
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Abstract:
We analyze the production process of Ph.Ds in economics in the Netherlands. Our empirical results are consistent with the incentives that the actors in this process face. Universities succeed in making students who are unlikely to graduate or will need a long time to graduate quit the program. Supervisors who are active researchers have higher graduation and lower dropout rates. This effect is due to the fact that active researchers attract better students. There is no evidence of an independent effect of having a supervisor who is an active researcher.
Duration analysis, education, graduate program
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2.
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The Effect of Unemployment Insurance Sanctions on the Transition Rate from Unemployment to Employment
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Jaap H. Abbring Tilburg University - Department of Econometrics & Operations Research Gerard J. van den Berg VU University Amsterdam - Department of Economics Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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29 Mar 99
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22 Jul 05
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190 ( 44,856) |
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Jaap H. Abbring Tilburg University - Department of Econometrics & Operations Research Gerard J. van den Berg VU University Amsterdam - Department of Economics Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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22 Jul 05
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22 Jul 05
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Sanctions or punitive benefits reductions are increasingly used as a tool to enforce compliance of unemployment insurance claimants with search requirements. This article analyses sanctions using a unique administrative data set of individuals who started collecting unemployment insurance in the Netherlands in 1992. After correction for selectivity in the imposition of sanctions, we find that sanctions substantially raise individual re-employment rates.
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Jaap H. Abbring Tilburg University - Department of Econometrics & Operations Research Gerard J. van den Berg VU University Amsterdam - Department of Economics Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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29 Mar 99
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22 Jul 05
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170
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Abstract:
This paper finds that unemployment insurance sanctions substantially raise individual transition rates from unemployment to employment. Sanctions are punitive benefits reductions that are supposed to make recipients comply with certain minimum requirements concerning search behavior. We provide a theoretical analysis and we use a unique administrative data set of individuals who started collecting unemployment insurance in the Netherlands in 1992. We deal with various forms of selectivity involved in the imposition of a sanction. We exploit the timing of events as well as the fact that some respondents experience multiple unemployment spells.
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3.
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Effective Active Labor Market Policies
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Jan Boone Tilburg University - Center for Economic Research Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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11 Oct 04
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01 Feb 05
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163 ( 52,232) |
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Jan Boone Tilburg University - Center for Economic Research Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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30 Dec 04
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01 Feb 05
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We present a theoretical and empirical analysis of different types of active labor market policies (ALMP). In our empirical analysis, we use data on 20 OECD countries covering the time period 1985-1999. We find that labor market training is the most effective program to bring down unemployment. Public employment services have some impact while subsidized jobs are not effective at all. Our theory considers ALMP in the context of a search-matching model.
Unemployment, active labor market programs, training, subsidized jobs, public employment services
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Jan Boone Tilburg University - Center for Economic Research Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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11 Oct 04
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30 Dec 04
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142
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Abstract:
We present a theoretical and empirical analysis of different types of active labor market policies (ALMP). In our empirical analysis we use data on 20 OECD countries covering the time period 1985-1999. We find that labor market training is the most effective program to bring down unemployment. Public employment services have some impact while subsidized jobs are not effective at all. Our theory considers ALMP in the context of a search-matching model.
unemployment, active labor market programs, training, subsidized jobs, public employment services
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4.
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Rick van der Ploeg European University Institute - Economics Department (ECO) Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics M.F.M. F.M. Canoy European Union - European Commission
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18 Feb 05
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27 May 05
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162 (52,523)
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Abstract:
The tensions between books and book markets as expressions of culture and books as products in profit-making businesses are analysed and insights from the theory of industrial organisation are given. Governments intervene in the market for books through laws concerning prices of books, grants for authors and publishers, a lower value-added tax, public libraries and education in order to stimulate the diversity of books on offer, increase the density of retail outlets and to promote reading. An overview of the different ways by which countries differ in terms of market structures and government policies is given. Particular attention is paid to retail price maintenance. Due to differences between European countries it is not a good idea to harmonise European book policies. Our analysis suggests that the book market seems quite able to invent solutions to specific problems of the book trade and that, apart from promoting reading, there is little need for government intervention.
books, publishers, authors, diversity, monopolistic competition, retail price maintenance, subsidies, libraries, internet
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5.
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How (Not) to Measure Competition
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Jan Boone Tilburg University - Center for Economic Research Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Henry van der Wiel CPB Netherlands Bureau of Economic Policy Research
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10 May 07
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17 Jun 08
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161 ( 52,851) |
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Jan Boone Tilburg University - Center for Economic Research Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Henry van der Wiel affiliation not provided to SSRN
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21 May 08
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17 Jun 08
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We introduce a new measure of competition: the elasticity of a firm's profits with respect to its cost level. A higher value of this profit elasticity (PE) signals more intense competition. Using firm-level data we compare PE with the most popular competition measures such as the price cost margin (PCM). We show that PE and PCM are highly correlated on average. However, PCM tends to misrepresent the development of competition over time in markets with few firms and high concentration, i.e. in markets with high policy relevance. So, just when it is needed the most PCM fails whereas PE does not. From this we conclude that PE is a more reliable measure of competition.
Competition, concentration, measures of competition, price cost margin, profit elasticity, profits
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Jan Boone Tilburg University - Center for Economic Research Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Henry van der Wiel CPB Netherlands Bureau of Economic Policy Research
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10 May 07
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18 Jun 07
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160
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Abstract:
We introduce a new measure of competition: the elasticity of a firm's profits with respect to its cost level. A higher value of this profit elasticity (PE) signals more intense competition. Using firm-level data we compare PE with the most popular competition measures such as the price cost margin (PCM). We show that PE and PCM are highly correlated on average. However, PCM tends to misrepresent the development of competition over time in markets with few firms and high concentration, i.e. in markets with high policy relevance. So, just when it is needed the most PCM fails whereas PE does not. From this we conclude that PE is a more reliable measure of competition.
competition, profit elasticity, measures of competition, concentration, price cost margin, profits
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6.
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Using Employer Hiring Behavior to Test the Educational Signaling Hypothesis
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James W. Albrecht Georgetown University - Department of Economics Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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Posted:
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26 Nov 01
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16 Jan 07
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160 ( 53,152) |
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James W. Albrecht Georgetown University - Department of Economics Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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02 Nov 06
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16 Jan 07
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This paper presents a test of the educational signaling hypothesis. If employers use education as a signal in the hiring process, they will rely more on education when less is otherwise known about applicants. We find that employers are more likely to lower educational standards when an informal, more informative recruitment channel is used. We thus reject the hypothesis that education is not used as a signal in the hiring process.
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James W. Albrecht Georgetown University - Department of Economics Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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26 Nov 01
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24 Oct 04
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136
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Abstract:
This paper presents a test of the educational signaling hypothesis. If employers use education as a signal in the hiring process, they will rely more on education when less is otherwise known about applicants. We find that employers are more likely to lower educational standards when an informal, more informative recruitment channel is used, so we conclude that education is used as a signal in the hiring process.
Recruitment, Signaling
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7.
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Anne C Gielen Maastricht University Marcel Kerkhofs Tilburg University - OSA Institute for Labour Studies Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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15 Feb 06
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31 Jul 06
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159 (53,463)
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This paper uses information from a panel of Dutch firms to investigate the labor productivity effects of performance related pay (PRP). We find that PRP increases labor productivity at the firm level with about 9% and employment with about 5%.
performance related pay, labor productivity
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8.
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Optimal Unemployment Insurance with Monitoring and Sanctions
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Jan Boone Tilburg University - Center for Economic Research Peter Fredriksson Uppsala University - Department of Economics Bertil Holmlund Uppsala University - Department of Economics Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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26 Nov 01
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10 Aug 07
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143 ( 59,039) |
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Jan Boone Tilburg University - Center for Economic Research Peter Fredriksson Uppsala University - Department of Economics Bertil Holmlund Uppsala University - Department of Economics Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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11 Apr 07
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10 Aug 07
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This article analyses the design of optimal unemployment insurance in a search equilibrium framework where search effort among the unemployed is not perfectly observable. We examine to what extent the optimal policy involves monitoring of search effort and benefit sanctions if observed search is deemed insufficient. We find that introducing monitoring and sanctions represents a welfare improvement for reasonable estimates of monitoring costs; this conclusion holds both relative to a system featuring indefinite payments of benefits and a system with a time limit on unemployment benefit receipt.
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Jan Boone Tilburg University - Center for Economic Research Peter Fredriksson Uppsala University - Department of Economics Bertil Holmlund Uppsala University - Department of Economics Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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13 Dec 01
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24 Jan 02
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Abstract:
This Paper analyzes the design of optimal unemployment insurance in a search equilibrium framework where search effort among the unemployed is not perfectly observable. We examine to what extent the optimal policy involves monitoring of search effort and benefit sanctions if observed search is deemed insufficient. We find that introducing monitoring and sanctions represents a welfare improvement for reasonable estimates of monitoring costs; this conclusion holds both relative to a system featuring indefinite payments of benefits and a system with a time limit on unemployment benefit receipt. The optimal sanction rates implied by our calibrated model are much higher than the sanction rates typically observed in European labor markets.
Unemployment insurance, search, sanctions
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Jan Boone Tilburg University - Center for Economic Research Peter Fredriksson Uppsala University - Department of Economics Bertil Holmlund Uppsala University - Department of Economics Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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26 Nov 01
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01 Dec 03
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116
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Abstract:
This paper analyzes the design of optimal unemployment insurance in a search equilibrium framework where search effort among the unemployed is not perfectly observable. We examine to what extent the optimal policy involves monitoring of search effort and benefit sanctions if observed search is deemed insufficient. We find that introducing monitoring and sanctions represents a welfare improvement for reasonable estimates of monitoring costs; this conclusion holds both relative to a system featuring indefinite payments of benefits and a system with a time limit on unemployment benefit receipt. The optimal sanction rates implied by our calibrated model are much higher than the sanction rates typically observed in European labor markets.
Unemployment Insurance, Search, Sanctions
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A Pint a Day Raises a Man's Pay; But Smoking Blows that Gain Away
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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13 May 02
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24 Oct 04
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134 ( 62,465) |
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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14 May 02
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14 May 02
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This Paper studies the wage effects of the use of alcohol and tobacco. The analysis based on a recent survey in the Netherlands shows that for males the use of tobacco has a negative wage effect of about 10% while the use of alcohol has a positive wage effect of about the same size. Smoking and drinking do not affect the wages of females.
Drinking, smoking, wages, earnings regressions
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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13 May 02
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24 Oct 04
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112
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Abstract:
This paper studies the wage effects of the use of alcohol and tobacco. The analysis based on a recent survey in the Netherlands shows that for males the use of tobacco has a negative wage effect of about 10% while the use of alcohol has a positive wage effect of about the same size. The wages of females are not effected by smoking and drinking.
Drinking, Smoking, Wages, Earnings Regressions
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10.
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Job Satisfaction and Family Happiness: The Part-Time Work Puzzle
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Alison L. Booth Australian National University - Research School of Social Sciences (RSSS) Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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05 Sep 07
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05 Jun 08
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127 ( 65,791) |
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Alison L. Booth Australian National University - Research School of Social Sciences (RSSS) Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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05 Jun 08
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05 Jun 08
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Using fixed effects ordered logit estimation, we investigate the relationship between part-time work and working hours satisfaction; job satisfaction; and life satisfaction. We account for interdependence within the family using data on partnered men and women from the British Household Panel Survey. We find that men have the highest hours-of-work satisfaction if they work full-time without overtime hours but neither their job satisfaction nor their life satisfaction are affected by how many hours they work. Life satisfaction is influenced only by whether or not they have a job. For women we are confronted with a puzzle. Hours satisfaction and job satisfaction indicate that women prefer part-time jobs irrespective of whether these are small or large. In contrast, female life satisfaction is virtually unaffected by hours of work. Women without children do not care about their hours of work at all, while women with children are significantly happier if they have a job regardless of how many hours it entails.
Gender, happiness, part-time work, satisfaction, working hours
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Alison L. Booth Australian National University - Research School of Social Sciences (RSSS) Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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05 Sep 07
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21 Sep 07
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126
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Abstract:
Using fixed effects ordered logit estimation, we investigate the relationship between part-time work and working hours satisfaction; job satisfaction; and life satisfaction. We account for interdependence within the family using data on partnered men and women from the British Household Panel Survey. We find that men have the highest hours-of-work satisfaction if they work full-time without overtime hours but neither their job satisfaction nor their life satisfaction are affected by how many hours they work. Life satisfaction is influenced only by whether or not they have a job. For women we are confronted with a puzzle. Hours satisfaction and job satisfaction indicate that women prefer part-time jobs irrespective of whether these are small or large. In contrast, female life satisfaction is virtually unaffected by hours of work. Women without children do not care about their hours of work at all, while women with children are significantly happier if they have a job regardless of how many hours it entails.
part-time work, happiness, satisfaction, working hours, gender
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Hours of Work and Gender Identity: Does Part-Time Work Make the Family Happier?
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Alison L. Booth Australian National University - Research School of Social Sciences (RSSS)
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13 Jan 06
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25 Sep 06
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116 ( 70,386) |
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Alison L. Booth Australian National University - Research School of Social Sciences (RSSS) Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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17 Apr 06
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17 Apr 06
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Taking into account inter-dependence within the family, we investigate the relationship between part-time work and happiness. We use panel data from the new Household, Income and Labor Dynamics in Australia Survey. Our analysis indicates that part-time women are more satisfied with working hours than full-time women. Partnered women's life satisfaction is increased if their partners work full-time. Male partners' life satisfaction is unaffected by their partners' market hours but is increased if they themselves are working full-time. This finding is consistent with the gender identity hypothesis of Akerlof and Kranton (2000).
Part-time work, happiness, gender identity
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Alison L. Booth Australian National University - Research School of Social Sciences (RSSS)
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13 Jan 06
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25 Sep 06
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Abstract:
Taking into account inter-dependence within the family, we investigate the relationship between part-time work and happiness. We use panel data from the new Household, Income and Labor Dynamics in Australia Survey. Our analysis indicates that part-time women are more satisfied with working hours than full-time women. Partnered women's life satisfaction is increased if their partners work full-time. Male partners' life satisfaction is unaffected by their partners' market hours but is increased if they themselves are working full-time. This finding is consistent with the gender identity hypothesis of Akerlof and Kranton (2000).
part-time work, happiness, gender identity
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Michèle V. K. Belot University of Oxford - Nuffield College
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23 Jun 00
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24 Oct 04
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116 (70,386)
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Abstract:
The development of the unemployment rate differs substantially between OECD countries. In recent years some countries experienced a mild increase, other countries had a stable unemployment rate, while there are also "successful" countries in which the unemployment rate decreased a lot. A common feature of the successful countries is that they implemented a comprehensive set of institutional reforms. In this paper we present a theoretical and empirical framework to investigate how unemployment is affected by different labour market institutions (LMI) such as labour taxes, unemployment benefits, employment protection, union bargaining power and (de)centralisation of bargaining. We argue that complementarities between LMI can be exploited to improve labour market performance. In our empirical analysis of annual data over the period 1960-1995 of eighteen OECD countries we show that interactions between LMI are indeed important.
OECD, unemployment, institutions, complementarities, reforms
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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26 Oct 00
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24 Oct 04
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114 (71,391)
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Abstract:
This paper uses an administrative dataset to analyze to what extent active labor market policies in the Slovak Republic have been beneficial for unemployed workers. The focus is on two types of temporary subsidized jobs and on training. Short-term subsidized jobs seem to be the most efficient active labor market policy. Workers that are or have been on a short-term subsidized job have a higher job finding rate than other unemployed workers have and once they find a job they have a lower job separation rate than workers that have not been on a short-term subsidized job. Long-term subsidized jobs have a negative effect on the job finding rate and no effect on the job separation rate. The positive effect of training on the job finding rate of unemployed workers may have to do with reversed causality: some workers enter a training program only after they are promised a job. Training does not seem to affect the job separation rate.
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Jaap H. Abbring Tilburg University - Department of Econometrics & Operations Research Gerard J. van den Berg VU University Amsterdam - Department of Economics Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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01 Aug 99
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13 Dec 99
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113 (71,936)
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Abstract:
This paper examines the relation between individual unemployment durations and incidence on the one hand, and the time-varying macroeconomic conditions in the economy on the other. We allow for contemporaneous calendar time effects acting on the exit probabilities for all currently unemployed. Also, we allow for cohort effects on the exit probabilities by allowing the composition of the inflow into unemployment to depend on calendar time. In both cases we distinguish between business cycle effects and seasonal effects. The model is estimated with aggregate unemployment duration data, in which we allow for unobserved heterogeneity and correlated measurement errors. The results enable us to give a complete decomposition of the dynamics of unemployment over calendar time.
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Geert Ridder University of Southern California
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02 May 00
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24 Oct 04
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111 (72,957)
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This paper presents an analysis of the failure and completion rates of graduate students in economics at three universities in The Netherlands. We find that an indicator of the research productivity of the supervisor is an important determinant of the completion and dropout rates. However, this effect seems due to the fact that supervisors with a good research record attract and select better students. There is no evidence of an independent effect of having a supervisor who is an active researcher.
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16.
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How Changes in Financial Incentives Affect the Duration of Unemployment
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Rafael Lalive University of Lausanne - Department of Economics (DEEP) Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Josef Zweimüller University of Zurich - Faculty of Business Administration - Institute for Empirical Research in Economics (IEW)
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Posted:
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03 Dec 04
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01 Dec 06
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104 ( 76,675) |
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Rafael Lalive University of Lausanne - Department of Economics (DEEP) Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Josef Zweimüller University of Zurich - Faculty of Business Administration - Institute for Empirical Research in Economics (IEW)
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25 Sep 06
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01 Dec 06
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This paper studies how changes in the two key parameters of unemployment insurance - the benefit replacement rate (RR) and the potential benefit duration (PBD) - affect the duration of unemployment. To identify such an effect we exploit a policy change introduced in 1989 by the Austrian government, which affected various unemployed workers differently: a first group experienced an increase in RR; a second group experienced an extension of PBD; a third group experienced both a higher RR and a longer PBD; and a fourth group experienced no change in the policy parameters. We find that unemployed workers react to the disincentives by an increase in unemployment duration, and our empirical results are consistent with the predictions of job search theory. We use our parameter estimates to split up the total costs to unemployment insurance funds into costs due to changes in the unemployment insurance system with unchanged behaviour and costs due to behavioural responses of unemployed workers. Our results indicate that costs due to behavioural responses are substantial.
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Rafael Lalive University of Lausanne - Department of Economics (DEEP) Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Josef Zweimüller University of Zurich - Faculty of Business Administration - Institute for Empirical Research in Economics (IEW)
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09 Aug 05
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17 Aug 05
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15
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20
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Abstract:
This paper studies how changes in the two key parameters of unemployment insurance - the benefit replacement rate (RR) and the potential duration of benefits (PBD) - affect the duration of unemployment. In 1989, the Austrian government made unemployment insurance more generous by changing, simultaneously, the maximum duration of regular unemployment benefits and the earnings replacement ratio. We find that increasing the replacement ratio has much weaker disincentive effects than increasing the maximum duration of benefits. We use these results to split up the total costs to unemployment insurance funds into costs due to changes in the unemployment insurance system and costs due to behavioral responses of unemployed workers. Results indicate that costs due to behavioral responses are substantial.
Maximum benefit duration, replacement rate, unemployment duration, unemployment insurance, policy change
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Rafael Lalive University of Lausanne - Department of Economics (DEEP) Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Josef Zweimüller University of Zurich - Faculty of Business Administration - Institute for Empirical Research in Economics (IEW)
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| Posted: |
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03 Dec 04
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Last Revised:
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28 Jul 05
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69
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20
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Abstract:
This paper studies how changes in the two key parameters of unemployment insurance - the benefit replacement rate (RR) and the potential duration of benefits (PBD) - affect the duration of unemployment. In 1989, the Austrian government made unemployment insurance more generous by changing, simultaneously, the maximum duration of regular unemployment benefits and the earnings replacement ratio. We find that increasing the replacement ratio has much weaker disincentive effects than increasing the maximum duration of benefits. We use these results to split up the total costs to unemployment insurance funds into costs due to changes in the unemployment insurance system and costs due to behavioral responses of unemployed workers. Results indicate that costs due to behavioral responses are substantial.
maximum benefit duration, replacement rate, unemployment duration, unemployment insurance, policy change
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17.
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Experiments on Unemployment Benefit Sanctions and Job Search Behavior
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Jan Boone Tilburg University - Center for Economic Research Abdolkarim Sadrieh University of Magdeburg Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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Posted:
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10 Feb 04
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Last Revised:
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16 Aug 04
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103 ( 77,224) |
4
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Jan Boone Tilburg University - Center for Economic Research Abdolkarim Sadrieh University of Magdeburg Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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07 Apr 04
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Last Revised:
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12 May 04
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15
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4
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Abstract:
This Paper presents the results of an experimental study on unemployment benefit sanctions. The experimental set-up allows us to distinguish between the effects of benefit sanctions once they are imposed (the ex post effect) and the effects that discourage the unemployed from risking benefit sanctions (the ex ante effect). We find that both effects matter. Moreover, the ex ante effect turns out to be substantial and bigger than the ex post effect. Benefits sanctions stimulate the outflow from unemployment.
Unemployment benefits, sanctions, experiments, job search
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Jan Boone Tilburg University - Center for Economic Research Abdolkarim Sadrieh University of Magdeburg Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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10 Feb 04
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Last Revised:
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16 Aug 04
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88
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4
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Abstract:
This paper presents the results of an experimental study on unemployment benefit sanctions. The experimental set-up allows us to distinguish between the effect of benefit sanctions once they are imposed (the ex post effect) and the effect that unemployed want to avoid getting a benefit sanction imposed (the ex ante effect). We find that both effects matter. Moreover, the ex ante effect turns out to be substantial and bigger than the ex post effect. Benefit sanctions stimulate the outflow from unemployment.
experiments, unemployment benefits, sanctions, job search
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18.
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Justus Veenman Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) - Institute for Sociological and Economic Research
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| Posted: |
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15 Feb 01
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Last Revised:
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24 Oct 04
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98 (80,021)
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4
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Abstract:
Since the mid-1960s, the Netherlands has an immigration surplus, mainly because of manpower recruitment from Turkey and Morocco and because of immigration from the former Dutch colony of Surinam. Immigrant workers have a weak labour market position, which is mainly related to their educational level and language skills. Children and grandchildren of immigrants are expected to have better chances to integrate into Dutch society. Nevertheless, specific policy measures are needed to avoid social exclusion of current immigrant workers.
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19.
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Patrick Francois University of British Columbia - Department of Economics Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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13 Dec 00
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Last Revised:
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11 Jan 01
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98 (80,021)
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2
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Abstract:
We present a theoretical explanation of the gender wage gap which turns on the interaction between men and women in households. In equilibria where men are over-represented in full-time work, we show that firms rationally choose to hire women only at strictly lower wages than men. The model developed predicts a gap even controlling for education, occupation and industry of workers and does so in a competitive labor market where there exist no inherent gender differences. We test our theory using CPS data over the period 1979-98 and find it is strongly supported by the data.
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20.
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Gerard J. van den Berg VU University Amsterdam - Department of Economics A. Gijsbert C. van Lomwel Center Applied Research, Tilburg University Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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24 Nov 03
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Last Revised:
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02 Sep 04
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97 (80,606)
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Abstract:
In this paper we simultaneously analyze transitions from unemployment to employment and to nonparticipation. We estimate a dependent competing risks model with nonparametric specifications of the destination-specific duration dependence and unobserved heterogeneity terms. We use a unique population data set of French unemployment over the period 1988-1994, stratified by gender type, duration class and exit state.
exit rate, hazard rate, unobserved heterogeneity, duration dependence, nonparticipation
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21.
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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18 Apr 03
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Last Revised:
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17 Aug 04
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93 (83,092)
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1
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Abstract:
In the past decades unemployment in the Netherlands has gone down substantially. The main suspects responsible for this decline are the growth of part-time labor, the reform of the benefit system and wage moderation. Nevertheless, in 2002 the unemployment rate in the Netherlands has increased somewhat. However, since the huge decline in unemployment was due to structural improvements in the functioning of the labor market there is not a lot of reason to worry about the recent rise in unemployment. The current structure of the labor market is a lot "healthier" than it was in the early 1980s. Therefore, the upward movement of the unemployment rate is bound to be a mild one.
Unemployment, Employment
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22.
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Frederic Vermeulen Tilburg University - CentER
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| Posted: |
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20 Sep 07
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Last Revised:
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20 Sep 07
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92 (83,772)
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2
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Abstract:
This paper ranks Dutch economists using information about publications and citations. Rankings involve the aggregation of several performance dimensions. Instead of using a cardinal approach, where each dimension is weighted based on impact factors of journals for example, we use an ordinal approach which accounts for quality differences between journals and also takes citations into account. We find that this ordinal approach is more robust. Based on the ordinal ranking of publications and citations we find that Peter Wakker is the most productive economist, followed by Michel Wedel. The third place in the ranking is ex aequo for Philip-Hans Franses and Florencio Lopez de Silanes. Adding-up the individual output we find that the economists of Erasmus University Rotterdam are the most productive, followed ex aequo by Tilburg University and Free University Amsterdam.
Productivity of economists, ranking
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23.
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Justus Veenman Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) - Institute for Sociological and Economic Research
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| Posted: |
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11 Jun 01
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Last Revised:
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24 Oct 04
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88 (86,357)
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11
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Abstract:
Since the mid-1960's the Netherlands has had an immigration surplus, mainly because of manpower recruitment from Turkey and Morocco and immigration from the former Dutch colony of Surinam. Immigrants have a weak labor market position, which is related to their educational level and language skills. Children and grandchildren of immigrants are expected to have a better chance of integration into Dutch society. In this paper we investigate whether this is true with respect to the educational attainment of second generation immigrants from Turkey, Morocco, Surinam and the Dutch Antilles.
Immigration, Ethnic Minorities, Immigrant Workers
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24.
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Patrick Francois University of British Columbia - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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15 Apr 01
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Last Revised:
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24 Oct 04
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82 (90,480)
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1
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Abstract:
We present a theoretical explanation of the gender wage gap which turns on the interaction between men and women in households. In equilibria where men are over-represented in full-time work, we show that firms rationally choose to hire women only at strictly lower wages than men. The model developed predicts a gap even controlling for education, occupation and industry of workers and does so in a competitive labor market where there exist no inherent gender differences. We test our theory using CPS data over the period 1979-98 and find it is strongly supported by the data.
Gender discrimination, household models, wage gap
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25.
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Rafael Lalive University of Lausanne - Department of Economics (DEEP) Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Josef Zweimüller University of Zurich - Faculty of Business Administration - Institute for Empirical Research in Economics (IEW)
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| Posted: |
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17 May 00
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Last Revised:
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17 Mar 04
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80 (91,868)
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26
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Abstract:
Swiss policy makers created a unique link between unemployment benefits and Active Labor Market Programs (ALMPs) by making benefit payments conditional on program attendance after 7 months of unemployment duration. We evaluate the effect of Active Labor Market Programs and benefit entitlement on the duration of unemployment in Switzerland. In the evaluation we allow for selectivity affecting the inflow into programs. Our results indicate that (i) After ALMP-participation the transition rate to jobs increases for Swiss women but not for Swiss men. However, the job hazard rate is strongly reduced during participation. Taken together, this leads to the conclusion that programs prolong unemployment duration for men, but tend to shorten durations for women. (ii) Once the unemployment spell approaches the expiration of unconditional benefit entitlement the job-hazard rate increases strongly, both for women and for men. (iii) There are important selectivity effects for Swiss females, but not for Swiss males.
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26.
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Cyclical Fluctuations in Workplace Accidents
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Jan Boone Tilburg University - Center for Economic Research Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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Posted:
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12 Dec 02
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Last Revised:
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22 Oct 04
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78 ( 93,366) |
2
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Jan Boone Tilburg University - Center for Economic Research Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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07 Jan 03
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Last Revised:
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14 Jan 03
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18
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2
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Abstract:
This Paper presents a theory and an empirical investigation on cyclical fluctuations in workplace accidents. The theory is based on the idea that reporting an accident dents the reputation of a worker and raises the probability that he is fired. Therefore a country with a high or an increasing unemployment rate has a low (reported) workplace accident rate. The empirical investigation concerns workplace accidents in OECD countries. The analysis confirms that workplace accident rates are inversely related to both the level of unemployment and the change in unemployment. Furthermore, fatal accident rates do not fluctuate over the cycle. We conclude that our empirical analysis is in line with our theory: cyclical fluctuations in workplace accidents have to do with reporting behaviour of workers and not with changes in workplace safety.
Workplace accidents, unemployment
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Jan Boone Tilburg University - Center for Economic Research Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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12 Dec 02
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Last Revised:
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22 Oct 04
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60
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2
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Abstract:
This paper presents a theory and an empirical investigation on cyclical fluctuations in workplace accidents. The theory is based on the idea that reporting an accident dents the reputation of a worker and raises the probability that he is fired. Therefore a country with a high or an increasing unemployment rate has a low (reported) workplace accident rate. The empirical investigation concerns workplace accidents in OECD countries. The analysis confirms that workplace accident rates are inversely related to both the level of unemployment and the change in unemployment. Furthermore, fatal accident rated do not fluctuate over the cycle. We conclude that our empirical analysis is in line with our theory: cyclical fluctuations in workplace accidents have to do with reporting behavior of workers and not with changes in workplace safety.
Workplace Accidents, Unemployment
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27.
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The Effect of Benefit Sanctions on the Duration of Unemployment
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Rafael Lalive University of Lausanne - Department of Economics (DEEP) Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Josef Zweimüller University of Zurich - Faculty of Business Administration - Institute for Empirical Research in Economics (IEW)
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Posted:
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12 May 02
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Last Revised:
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24 Oct 04
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78 ( 93,366) |
35
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Rafael Lalive University of Lausanne - Department of Economics (DEEP) Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Josef Zweimüller University of Zurich - Faculty of Business Administration - Institute for Empirical Research in Economics (IEW)
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| Posted: |
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16 May 02
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Last Revised:
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16 May 02
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16
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35
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Abstract:
This Paper investigates the effectiveness of benefit sanctions in reducing unemployment duration. Data from the Swiss labour market allow making a distinction between the effect of a warning that a person is not complying with eligibility requirements and the effect of the actual enforcement of a benefit sanction. We find that both warning and enforcement have a positive effect on the exit rate out of unemployment. Moreover, the stricter the sanction policy the shorter the duration of unemployment. This can be taken as evidence of a strong ex-ante effect of a strict sanction policy.
Unemployment duration, benefit sanctions, monitoring
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Rafael Lalive University of Lausanne - Department of Economics (DEEP) Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Josef Zweimüller University of Zurich - Faculty of Business Administration - Institute for Empirical Research in Economics (IEW)
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| Posted: |
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12 May 02
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Last Revised:
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24 Oct 04
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62
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35
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Abstract:
This paper investigates the effectiveness of benefit sanctions in reducing unemployment duration. Data from the Swiss labor market allow making a distinction between the effect of a warning that a person is not complying with eligibility requirements and the effect of the actual enforcement of a benefit sanction. We find that both warning and enforcement have a positive effect on the exit rate out of unemployment. Moreover, the stricter the sanction policy the shorter is the duration of unemployment of the non-sanctioned. This can be taken as evidence of a strong ex-ante effect of a strict sanction policy.
Unemployment Duration, Benefit Sanctions, Monitoring
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28.
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Gerard J. van den Berg VU University Amsterdam - Department of Economics Bas van der Klaauw VU University Amsterdam - Department of Economics Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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21 Dec 98
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Last Revised:
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04 Jan 99
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75 (95,755)
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3
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Abstract:
In The Netherlands, the average exit rate out of welfare is dramatically low. Most welfare recipients have to comply with guidelines on job search effort that are imposed by the welfare agency. If they do not, then a sanction in the form of a temporarily benefit reduction can be imposed. This paper investigates the effect of such sanctions on the transition from welfare to work using a unique set of rich administrative data on welfare recipients in The Netherlands. We find that the imposition of sanctions substantially increases the individual transition rate from welfare to work. We also describe the other determinants of the transition from welfare to work.
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29.
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Jaap H. Abbring Tilburg University - Department of Econometrics & Operations Research Gerard J. van den Berg VU University Amsterdam - Department of Economics Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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16 Dec 99
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Last Revised:
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26 Nov 00
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72 (98,148)
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7
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Abstract:
In this paper, we study U.S. unemployment dynamics using grouped unemployment data from the Current Population Survey over the period 1968-1992. We estimate a model that traces variation in these unemployment data, both over time and between demographic groups, back to the underlying variation in the inflow and the outflow. In turn, we model the outflow as a transition process in which we allow the exit probabilities to depend on calendar time, duration, and demographic group. We particularly focus on the measurement and economic interpretation of the interaction of duration dependence of exit probabilities and the business cycle.
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30.
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Jan Boone Tilburg University - Center for Economic Research
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| Posted: |
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06 Nov 00
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Last Revised:
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24 Oct 04
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68 (101,632)
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7
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| |
Abstract:
We model how unemployment benefit sanctions - benefit reductions that are imposed if unemployed do not comply with job search guidelines - affect unemployment. In our analysis we find that not only micro effects concerning the behavior of individual unemployed workers are relevant, but also macro-spillover effects from the additional creation of vacancies, which originates from the increased effectiveness of labor supply. We advocate that for a given loss in welfare for the unemployed benefit sanctions are more effective in reducing unemployment than an across the board reduction in the replacement rate.
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31.
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Bas van der Klaauw VU University Amsterdam - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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12 Jul 00
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Last Revised:
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24 Oct 04
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64 (105,180)
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Abstract:
This paper investigates how in addition to personal characteristics the neighborhood affects the individual transition rate from welfare to work. We use a unique administrative database on welfare recipients in Rotterdam, the second largest city of The Netherlands. We find that the exit rate to work of young Dutch welfare recipients is influenced by the neighborhood unemployment rate. Other neighborhood characteristics such as the average housing price are not important. From this we conclude that for young Dutch welfare recipients a high local unemployment rate has a negative spillover effect on the transition from welfare to work.
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32.
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Brian Krogh Graversen Danish National Centre for Social Research (SFI) Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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11 Jan 07
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Last Revised:
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14 Jan 07
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58 (110,768)
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12
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Abstract:
This paper investigates how a mandatory activation program in Denmark affects the job finding rate of unemployed workers. The activation program was introduced in an experimental setting where about half of the workers who became unemployed in the period from November 2005 to March 2006 were randomly assigned to the program while the other half was not. It appears that the activation program is very effective. The median unemployment duration of the control group is 14 weeks, while it is 11.5 weeks for the treatment group. The analysis shows that the job finding rate in the treatment group is 30% higher than in the control group. This result is mainly driven by the more intensive contacts between the unemployed and the public employment service.
unemployment insurance, unemployment duration, experiment
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33.
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How Changes in Benefits Entitlement Affect the Duration of Unemployment
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Milan Vodopivec World Bank - Human Development Network
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Posted:
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05 Apr 05
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Last Revised:
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02 Aug 05
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58 (110,768) |
1
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Milan Vodopivec World Bank - Human Development Network
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| Posted: |
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27 Jul 05
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Last Revised:
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02 Aug 05
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19
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1
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Abstract:
This paper investigates the disincentive effects of the potential duration of unemployment insurance (UI) benefits. The disincentive effects are identified by exploiting changes in the UI system in Slovenia, which involved substantial reductions in the potential benefit duration and had characteristics of a 'natural experiment'. We find that the change had a positive effect on the exit rate out of unemployment - both to employment and to other destinations - at various durations of unemployment spells and for many categories of unemployed workers.
Unemployment insurance, potential benefit duration, job finding rates
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Milan Vodopivec World Bank - Human Development Network
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| Posted: |
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05 Apr 05
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Last Revised:
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27 Jul 05
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39
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1
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Abstract:
This paper investigates the disincentive effects of the potential duration of unemployment insurance (UI) benefits. The disincentive effects are identified by exploiting changes in the UI system in Slovenia, which involved substantial reductions in the potential benefit duration and had characteristics of a natural experiment. We find that the change had a positive effect on the exit rate out of unemployment - both to employment and to other destinations - at various durations of unemployment spells and for many categories of unemployed workers.
Unemployment insurance, potential benefit duration, job finding rates
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34.
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Shortening the Potential Duration of Unemployment Benefits Does Not Affect the Quality of Post-Unemployment Jobs: Evidence from a Natural Experiment
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Milan Vodopivec World Bank - Human Development Network
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Posted:
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24 Jul 06
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Last Revised:
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24 Jan 07
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56 (112,663) |
15
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Milan Vodopivec World Bank - Human Development Network
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| Posted: |
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23 Aug 06
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Last Revised:
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23 Aug 06
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11
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15
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Abstract:
This paper investigates how the potential duration of unemployment benefits affects the quality of post-unemployment jobs. It takes advantage of a natural experiment introduced by a change in Slovenia's unemployment insurance law that substantially reduced the potential benefit duration. Although this reduction strongly increased job finding rates, the quality of the post-unemployment jobs remained unaffected: the paper finds that the law change had no effect on either the type of the contract (temporary vs. permanent), the duration of the post-unemployment jobs, or the wage earned in this job.
unemployment insurance, potential benefit duration, job separation rates, post-unemployment wages
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Milan Vodopivec World Bank - Human Development Network
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| Posted: |
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24 Jul 06
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Last Revised:
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24 Jan 07
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45
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15
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Abstract:
This paper investigates how the potential duration of unemployment benefits affects the quality of post-unemployment jobs. It takes advantage of a natural experiment introduced by a change in Slovenia's unemployment insurance law that substantially reduced the potential benefit duration. Although this reduction strongly increased job finding rates, the quality of the post-unemployment jobs remained unaffected: the paper finds that the law change had no effect on either the type of the contract (temporary vs. permanent), the duration of the post-unemployment jobs, or the wage earned in this job.
unemployment insurance, potential benefit duration, job separation rates
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35.
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Justus Veenman Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) - Institute for Sociological and Economic Research
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| Posted: |
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21 Feb 05
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Last Revised:
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21 Feb 05
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55 (113,670)
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3
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Abstract:
For immigrants who arrive in a country at a young age it is easier to assimilate than for teenagers. This paper investigates up to what immigration age the educational attainment of young immigrants in the Netherlands is similar to the educational attainment of second-generation immigrants, who were born in the country having at least one immigrant parent. It appears that this borderline immigration age depends on gender and country of origin.
Young immigrants, educational attainment, age at immigration
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36.
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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21 Feb 05
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Last Revised:
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21 Feb 05
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54 (114,654)
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4
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Abstract:
This paper uses a dataset collected among inhabitants of Amsterdam, to study the employment effects of the use of cannabis and cocaine. For females, no negative effects of drug use on the employment rate are found. For males, there is a negative correlation between past cannabis and cocaine use and employment. However, after correcting for the effect of unobserved personal characteristics, there is no negative effect of cannabis use or cocaine use on the employment status of males.
Drugs, employment, cannabis, cocaine
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37.
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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21 Feb 05
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Last Revised:
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28 Feb 05
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53 (115,682)
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Abstract:
This paper uses information about prime age individuals living in Amsterdam, to study whether the use of alcohol, or tobacco stimulates the use of cannabis, i.e., whether alcohol or cannabis are stepping stones for cannabis. The special element of the study is that it concerns the use in an environment where not only alcohol and tobacco but also cannabis is a legal drug. It turns out that alcohol and cannabis are intertemporal substitutes, while tobacco and cannabis are intertemporal complements. Only tobacco is a stepping stone for cannabis use.
Alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, stepping stone
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38.
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Milan Vodopivec World Bank - Human Development Network
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| Posted: |
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07 Jul 04
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Last Revised:
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27 Jul 05
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51 (117,670)
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3
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Abstract:
In 1998 the Slovenian UI system was drastically reformed. The reform reduced the potential duration of unemployment benefits substantially and simultaneously improved employment services offered to, and monitoring of, the recipients. We find that the reduction in potential benefit duration had a positive effect on the exit rate out of unemployment - both to employment and to other destinations - at various durations of unemployment spells and for many categories of unemployed workers. We also identify a clear spike in the exit rate out of unemployment in the month unemployment benefits expire (and a smaller spike in the month thereafter), and for males an increase of job-finding rate in the third month of unemployment, a likely consequence of a reduction of the level of benefit that occurs at that point. Interestingly, post-unemployment wages of recipients were not affected after the change of the law, suggesting that higher job-finding rates following the reduction of benefits were not produced by reduced reservation wages (higher acceptance probability) but rather more effective job-search activity.
unemployment insurance, potential benefit duration, job finding rates, postunemployment wages
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39.
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Cannabis Prices and Dynamics of Cannabis Use
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Jenny Williams University of Melbourne - Department of Economics
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Posted:
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16 May 05
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Last Revised:
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22 Aug 05
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48 (120,944) |
5
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Jenny Williams University of Melbourne - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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09 Aug 05
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Last Revised:
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22 Aug 05
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20
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5
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Abstract:
This paper uses duration models and self-reported cannabis histories from young Australians to study the dynamics of cannabis use. We find that low cannabis prices are associated with early initiation into cannabis use. While the decision to quit does not appear to be directly influenced by price, we find that the younger an individual is when they start using cannabis the less likely they are to quit. Therefore, low cannabis prices lead to early use and because of that they lead to a low quit rate and hence a longer duration of use.
Cannabis use, cannabis prices, age of initiation
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Jenny Williams University of Melbourne - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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16 May 05
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Last Revised:
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28 Jul 05
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28
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5
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Abstract:
This paper uses duration models and self-reported cannabis histories from young Australians to study the dynamics of cannabis use. We find that low cannabis prices are associated with early initiation into cannabis use. While the decision to quit does not appear to be directly influenced by price, we find that the younger an individual is when they start using cannabis the less likely they are to quit. Therefore, low cannabis prices lead to early use and because of that they lead to a low quit rate and hence a longer duration of use.
Cannabis use, cannabis prices, age of initiation
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40.
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Milan Vodopivec World Bank - Human Development Network
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| Posted: |
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27 Oct 06
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Last Revised:
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22 Nov 06
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47 (122,026)
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Abstract:
This paper investigates how the potential duration of unemployment benefits affects the quality of post-unemployment jobs. It takes advantage of a natural experiment introduced by a change in Slovenia's unemployment insurance law that substantially reduced the potential benefit duration. Although this reduction strongly increased job finding rates, the quality of the post-unemployment jobs remained unaffected. The paper finds that the law change had no effect on the type of contract (temporary versus permanent), the duration of the post-unemployment job, or the wage earned in the job.
Labor Markets, Youth and Governance, Economic Theory & Research, Social Protections & Assistance, Social Risk Management
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41.
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Age-Specific Cyclical Effects in Job Reallocation and Labor Mobility
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Anne C Gielen Maastricht University Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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Posted:
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21 Jul 05
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Last Revised:
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01 Nov 05
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47 (122,026) |
7
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Anne C Gielen Maastricht University Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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18 Aug 05
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Last Revised:
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01 Nov 05
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11
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7
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Abstract:
We present an empirical analysis of job reallocation and labor mobility using matched worker-firm data for the Netherlands to investigate how firms adjust their workforce over the cycle. Our data cover the period 1993-2002. We find that cyclical adjustments of the workforce occur mainly through fluctuations in job creation for young and prime-age workers while for old workers they occur mainly through fluctuations in job destruction. Moreover, we find that business cycle fluctuations are used to rejuvenate the workforce. Workforce reductions are most harmful for old workers; for them the flow out of employment is a one-way street.
Job creation, job destruction, accessions, separations, matched worker-firm data
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Anne C Gielen Maastricht University Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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21 Jul 05
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Last Revised:
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08 Aug 05
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36
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7
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Abstract:
We present an empirical analysis of job reallocation and labor mobility using matched worker-firm data for the Netherlands to investigate how firms adjust their workforce over the cycle. Our data cover the period 1993-2002. We find that cyclical adjustments of the workforce occur mainly through fluctuations in job creation for young and prime-age workers while for old workers they occur mainly through fluctuations in job destruction. Moreover, we find that business cycle fluctuations are used to rejuvenate the workforce. Workforce reductions are most harmful for old workers; for them the flow out of employment is a one-way street.
job creation, job destruction, accessions, separations, matched worker-firm data
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42.
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The Locking-in Effect of Subsidized Jobs
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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Posted:
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30 Jul 02
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Last Revised:
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24 Oct 04
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47 (122,026) |
24
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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16 Aug 04
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Last Revised:
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16 Aug 04
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0
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Abstract:
Recent evaluations of the effectiveness of active labor market policies in bringing unemployed people back to work are not optimistic. After entering such a program, unemployed people tend to become locked-in to a temporary job so that they reduce their search for a regular job. This paper uses an administrative dataset on durations of individual unemployment spells to analyze temporary subsidized jobs. By exploiting the variation in the duration of these jobs, we investigate the importance of the locking-in effect.
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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18 Sep 02
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Last Revised:
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16 Aug 04
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14
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24
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Abstract:
Recent evaluations of active labour market policies are not very optimistic about their effectiveness to bring unemployed back to work. An important reason is that unemployed get locked-in, that is they reduce their effort to find a regular job. This paper uses an administrative data set from the Slovak Republic on durations of individual unemployment spells. The focus of the analysis is temporary subsidized jobs. By exploiting the variation in the duration of these jobs it is possible to investigate whether or not the locking-in effect is important. It turns out that it is.
Unemployment, active labour market policy, subsidized jobs, duration models
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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30 Jul 02
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Last Revised:
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24 Oct 04
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33
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24
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Abstract:
Recent evaluations of active labor market policies are not very optimistic about their effectiveness to bring unemployed back to work. An important reason is that unemployed get locked-in, that is they reduce their effort to find a regular job. This paper uses an administrative dataset from the Slovak Republic on durations of individual unemployment spells. The focus of the analysis is temporary subsidized jobs. By exploiting the variation in the duration of these jobs it is possible to investigate whether or not the locking-in effect is important. It turns out that it is.
Unemployment, Active Labor Market Policy, Subsidized Jobs, Duration Models
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43.
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Jaap H. Abbring Tilburg University - Department of Econometrics & Operations Research Gerard J. van den Berg VU University Amsterdam - Department of Economics Pieter A. Gautier Free University of Amsterdam A. Gijsbert C. van Lomwel Center Applied Research, Tilburg University Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Christopher J. Ruhm University of North Carolina at Greensboro
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| Posted: |
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03 Jun 99
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Last Revised:
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11 Jun 99
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46 (123,166)
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6
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Abstract:
This paper studies worker displacement in the United States and the Netherlands. We discuss the relevant institutions, and we analyze the incidence and consequences of displacement. In the 1993-1995 period, displacement rates in the US and the Netherlands are about the same, and vary similarly with tenure and gender. Also, we find some evidence that displacement hastens retirement in both countries. Finally, we do not find much evidence for adverse wage or earnings effects of displacement in either country. In the Netherlands, however, displaced workers may be more likely to move into alternative jobs directly, but, if they fail to do so, face longer re-employment durations. This renders an isolated comparison of wage discounts less informative.
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44.
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Anne C Gielen Maastricht University Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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26 Jun 06
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Last Revised:
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26 Jul 06
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44 (125,409)
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1
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Abstract:
In a dynamic labor market worker-firm matches dissolve frequently causing workers to separate and firms to look for replacements. A separation may be initiated by the worker (a quit) or the firm (a layoff), or may result from a joint decision. A dissolution of a worker-firm match may be inefficient if it can be prevented by wage renegotiation. In this paper we study worker separations in the Dutch labor market. From an analysis of matched worker-firm data we conclude that both quits and layoffs are less likely to occur in high quality matches. We also find that workers with a high propensity to quit are offered higher wages to prevent them to quit. Similarly, workers with a high layoff probability give up some of their wage to prevent them from being laid-off. Despite these wage renegotiations some inefficiency in separations remains. However, there is a clear difference between quits and layoffs. Whereas inefficient quits are rare, inefficient layoffs occur frequently. These phenomena may be related to downward wage rigidity. While it is easy to renegotiate higher wages to prevent quits, it is much more difficult to renegotiate lower wages to prevent layoffs even if that would overall be beneficial to the workers involved.
separations, quits, layoffs, matched worker-firm dataset
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45.
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Why Parents Worry: Initiation into Cannabis Use by Youth and Their Educational Attainment
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Jenny Williams University of Melbourne - Department of Economics
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Posted:
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06 Sep 07
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Last Revised:
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30 May 08
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43 (126,575) |
2
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Jenny Williams University of Melbourne - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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30 May 08
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Last Revised:
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30 May 08
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0
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2
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Abstract:
In this paper we use individual level data from the Australian National Drug Strategy Household Survey to study the relationship between initiation into cannabis use and educational attainment. Using instrumental variable estimation and bivariate duration analysis we find that those initiating into cannabis use early in life are much more likely to dropout of school compared to those who start later on. Moreover, we find that the reduction in years of schooling depends on the age at which initiation occurs, and that it is larger for females than males.
age of initiation, cannabis use, educational attainment
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Jenny Williams University of Melbourne - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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06 Sep 07
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Last Revised:
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06 Sep 07
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43
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2
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Abstract:
In this paper we use individual level data from the Australian National Drug Strategy Household Survey to study the relationship between initiation into cannabis use and educational attainment. Using instrumental variable estimation and bivariate duration analysis we find that those initiating into cannabis use early in life are much more likely to dropout of school compared to those who start later on. Moreover, we find that the reduction in years of schooling depends on the age at which initiation occurs, and that it is larger for females than males.
cannabis use, age of initiation, educational attainment
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46.
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Victor A. Ginsburgh Catholic University of Louvain - Center for Operations Research and Econometrics (CORE) Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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01 Jul 04
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Last Revised:
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23 Mar 05
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43 (126,575)
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3
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Abstract:
In empirical studies of sequential auctions of identical objects, prices have been found to decline. We study auctions of ancient Chinese porcelain recovered from shipwrecks. In these auctions, there are very long sequences of lots of identical objects. We find that the average price decline is smaller in long sequences. It is especially large for the first pair of lots auctioned; it is also larger when the price of the previous lot was larger than (the upper bound of the range of) the pre-sale estimate of the previous lot and when the number of items in lots that follow each other increases. As a consequence, it appears that sellers may have some control over the sequence of prices and, therefore, on their revenue. Our results point to the fact that a sequence of lots, each of which contains the same number of items, generates more revenue than lots with varying number of items.
Sequential auctions, declining prices
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47.
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How Working Time Reduction Affects Employment and Earnings
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Pedro S. Raposo Tilburg University - Center for Economic Research Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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Posted:
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25 Sep 08
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Last Revised:
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06 Oct 08
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42 (127,789) |
1
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Pedro S. Raposo Tilburg University - Center for Economic Research Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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06 Oct 08
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Last Revised:
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06 Oct 08
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17
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1
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Abstract:
December 1, 1996 Portugal introduced a new law on working hours which gradually reduced the standard workweek from 44 hours to 40 hours. We study how this mandatory working hours reduction affected employment and earnings of workers involved. We find for workers who were affected by the new law that working hours decreased, while hourly wages increased, keeping monthly earnings approximately constant. We also find that the working hours reduction did not lead to an increased job loss of workers directly affected. Finally, we find that workers who themselves were not directly affected were influenced by the working hours reduction indirectly. If they worked in a firm with many workers working more than 40 hours before the change in law was introduced.
workweek reduction, policy reform, employment dynamics, earnings
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Pedro S. Raposo Tilburg University - Center for Economic Research Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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25 Sep 08
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Last Revised:
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25 Sep 08
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25
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1
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Abstract:
December 1, 1996 Portugal introduced a new law on working hours which gradually reduced the standard workweek from 44 hours to 40 hours. We study how this mandatory working hours reduction affected employment and earnings of workers involved. We find for workers who were affected by the new law that working hours decreased, while hourly wages increased, keeping monthly earnings approximately constant. We also find that the working hours reduction did not lead to an increased job loss of workers directly affected. Finally, we find that workers who themselves were not directly affected were influenced by the working hours reduction indirectly. If they worked in a firm with many workers working more than 40 hours before the change in law was introduced.
Workweek reduction, policy reform, employment dynamics, earnings
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48.
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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09 Mar 06
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Last Revised:
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09 Mar 06
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42 (127,789)
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Abstract:
This paper investigates the reading of fiction books by 15-year-olds in 18 OECD countries. It appears that girls read fiction books more often than boys, whereas boys read comic books more often than girls. The intensity by which children read fiction books is influenced by parental education, family structure, and the number of books and tv's at home. Reading comic books does not affect the reading of fiction books. Parents who want their children to read fiction books frequently should have a lot of books at home and at most one television.
books, reading, PISA-data
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49.
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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21 Feb 05
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Last Revised:
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01 May 05
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40 (131,447)
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Abstract:
This paper uses information about prime age individuals living in Amsterdam to study the patterns of use of ecstasy and cocaine. The information was collected in surveys in 1994, 1997 and 2001. The analysis shows that the use of ecstasy and cocaine is mainly influenced by calendar year, family situation, and parental cannabis use. Individuals that are more likely to use cocaine are also more likely to use ecstasy. Whether or not an individual starts using ecstasy or cocaine is highly age dependent, i.e., it usually happens between age 20 and 35. If an individual has not used at age 35, he or she is very unlikely to do so at a later age. The entrance of ecstasy in the Amsterdam drugs market in the course of the 1990s did not reduce the use of cocaine.
Ecstacy, cocaine, patterns of use
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50.
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Rafael Lalive University of Lausanne - Department of Economics (DEEP) Josef Zweimüller University of Zurich - Faculty of Business Administration - Institute for Empirical Research in Economics (IEW)
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| Posted: |
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09 Nov 03
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Last Revised:
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24 Oct 04
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38 (132,722)
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5
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| |
Abstract:
Swiss policy makers created a unique link between unemployment benefits and Active Labor Market Programs (ALMPs) by making benefit payments conditional on program attendance after 7 months of unemployment duration. We evaluate the effect of Active Labor Market Programs and benefit entitlement on the duration of unemployment in Switzerland. In the evaluation we allow for selectivity affecting the inflow into programs. Our results indicate that (i) After ALMP-participation the transition rate to jobs increases for Swiss women but not for Swiss men. However, the job hazard rate is strongly reduced during participation. Taken together, this leads to the conclusion that programs prolong unemployment duration for men, but tend to shorten durations for women. (ii) Once the unemployment spell approaches the expiration of unconditional benefit entitlement the job-hazard rate increases strongly, both for women and for men. (iii) There are important selectivity effects for Swiss females, but not for Swiss males.
Active labor market policy, benefit entitlement, treatment effect, bivariate duration model
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51.
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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21 Feb 05
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Last Revised:
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21 Feb 05
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33 (139,387)
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2
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| |
Abstract:
This paper uses a dataset collected among inhabitants of Amsterdam, to study whether wages of prime age male workers are affected by the use of cannabis and cocaine. The analysis shows that cocaine use and infrequent cannabis use do not affect wages. Frequent cannabis use has a negative wage effect. The age of onset is also important. The earlier current cannabis users have started to use cannabis the larger the negative impact on their wage.
Grugs, wages, cannabis, cocaine
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52.
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Justus Veenman Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) - Institute for Sociological and Economic Research
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| Posted: |
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13 Dec 02
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Last Revised:
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22 Oct 04
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33 (139,387)
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| |
Abstract:
This paper is on the early labor market experiences of second-generation immigrants in the Netherlands. We find that only for employment rates there are some differences across ethnic groups. Conditional on having a job there is hardly any difference in wages and other job characteristics between second-generation immigrants and native Dutch of the same age group.
Second-generation Immigrants, Ethnic Minorities, Labor Market
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53.
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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26 Sep 07
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Last Revised:
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09 Jan 08
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31 (142,281)
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| |
Abstract:
This paper uses a data set collected among inhabitants of Amsterdam, to study whether wages of prime-age male workers are affected by cannabis use. The analysis shows that recent cannabis use has a negative effect on wages. The size of the wage effect depends on the age of onset. The earlier the start of cannabis use the larger the negative wage impact.
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54.
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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01 Dec 06
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Last Revised:
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12 Dec 06
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28 (147,319)
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Abstract:
This paper discusses developments in the Netherlands concerning unemployment insurance, unemployment assistance and disability insurance. The emphasis is on how incentives for individual workers and firms affect flows of benefit recipients.
unemployment benefits, unemployment assistance, disability benefits, incentives
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55.
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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21 Feb 05
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Last Revised:
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30 Jul 09
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28 (147,319)
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1
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| |
Abstract:
This paper uses information about prime age individuals living in Amsterdam to study the dynamics in the use of drugs, in particular alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, cocaine, and ecstasy. The analysis concerns starting rates, transitions from non-use to use, as well as quit rates, transitions from use to non-use. Particular attention is given to the effect of the age of onset on quit behavior. The empirical analysis shows that for most of the drugs investigated the age of onset has a positive effect on the quit rate. The earlier individuals start using a particular drug the less likely they are to stop using that drug.
alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, cocaine, ecstacy, drug use, age of onset
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56.
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How Interethnic Marriages Affect the Educational Attainment of Children: Evidence from a Natural Experiment
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Justus Veenman Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) - Institute for Sociological and Economic Research
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Posted:
|
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12 Feb 08
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Last Revised:
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23 May 08
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26 (151,377) |
4
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Justus Veenman Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) - Institute for Sociological and Economic Research
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| Posted: |
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23 May 08
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Last Revised:
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23 May 08
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5
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4
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Abstract:
The allocation of Moluccan immigrants across towns and villages at arrival in the Netherlands and the subsequent formation of interethnic marriages resemble a natural experiment. The exogenous variation in marriage formation allows us to estimate the causal effect of interethnic marriages on the educational attainment of children from such marriages. We find that children from Moluccan fathers and native mothers have a higher educational attainment than children from ethnic homogeneous Moluccan couples or children from a Moluccan mother and a native father.
interethnic marriages, educational attainment
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Justus Veenman Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) - Institute for Sociological and Economic Research
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| Posted: |
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12 Feb 08
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Last Revised:
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12 Feb 08
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21
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4
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| |
Abstract:
The allocation of Moluccan immigrants across towns and villages at arrival in the Netherlands and the subsequent formation of interethnic marriages resemble a natural experiment. The exogenous variation in marriage formation allows us to estimate the causal effect of interethnic marriages on the educational attainment of children from such marriages. We find that children from Moluccan fathers and native mothers have a higher educational attainment than children from ethnic homogeneous Moluccan couples or children from a Moluccan mother and a native father.
interethnic marriages, educational attainment
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57.
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M.F.M. F.M. Canoy European Union - European Commission Rick van der Ploeg European University Institute - Economics Department (ECO) Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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27 May 05
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Last Revised:
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02 Jun 05
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25 (153,654)
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3
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| |
Abstract:
The tensions between books and book markets as expressions of culture and books as products in profit-making businesses are analyzed and insights from the theory of industrial organization are given. Governments intervene in the market for books through laws concerning prices of books, grants for authors and publishers, a lower value-added tax, public libraries and education in order to stimulate the diversity of books on offer, increase the density of retail outlets and to promote reading. An overview of the different ways by which countries differ in terms of market structures and government policies is given. Particular attention is paid to retail price maintenance. Due to differences between European countries it is not a good idea to harmonize European book policies. Our analysis suggests that the book market seems quite able to invent solutions to specific problems of the book trade and that, apart from promoting reading, there is little need for government intervention.
Books, publishers, authors, diversity, monopolistic competition, retail price maintenance, subsidies, libraries, internet
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58.
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Michèle V. K. Belot University of Oxford - Nuffield College Jan Boone Tilburg University - Center for Economic Research Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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18 Jul 02
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Last Revised:
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18 Jul 02
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24 (156,085)
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12
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Abstract:
Employment protection is often related to costs incurred by firms when they fire a worker. The stability of the employment relationship, enhanced by employment protection, is also favourable to the productivity of the job. We analyse employment protection focusing on this trade-off between adjustment costs and productivity. We show that from a welfare point of view there is an optimal degree of employment protection.
Employment protection, human capital, hold-up, reforms, welfare
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59.
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Cannabis Use and Mental Health Problems
|
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|
Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Jenny Williams University of Melbourne - Department of Economics
|
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Posted:
|
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21 Jul 09
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Last Revised:
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26 Aug 09
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23 (158,653) |
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Jenny Williams University of Melbourne - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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26 Aug 09
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Last Revised:
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26 Aug 09
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1
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Abstract:
This paper investigates whether cannabis use leads to worse mental health. To do so, we account for common unobserved factors affecting mental health and cannabis consumption by modeling mental health jointly with the dynamics of cannabis use. Our main finding is that using cannabis increases the likelihood of mental health problems, with current use having a larger effect than past use. The estimates suggest a dose response relationship between the frequency of recent cannabis use and the probability of currently experiencing a mental health problem.
cannabis use, discrete factor models, duration models, mental health
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Jenny Williams University of Melbourne - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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21 Jul 09
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Last Revised:
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26 Aug 09
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22
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Abstract:
This paper investigates whether cannabis use leads to worse mental health. To do so, we account for common unobserved factors affecting mental health and cannabis consumption by modeling mental health jointly with the dynamics of cannabis use. Our main finding is that using cannabis increases the likelihood of mental health problems, with current use having a larger effect than past use. The estimates suggest a dose response relationship between the frequency of recent cannabis use and the probability of currently experiencing a mental health problem.
cannabis use, mental health, duration models, discrete factor models
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60.
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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03 Oct 07
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Last Revised:
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03 Oct 07
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23 (158,653)
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Abstract:
This paper is on compulsion in active labour market programs (ALMP). When an unemployed worker has to participate in a programme order to remain eligible for benefits there are two separate effects. First, there is the treatment effect, i.e. the program makes the worker more attractive for a potential employer or makes search more efficient thus helping the unemployed worker to find a job more quickly. Second, there is the compulsion effect, i.e. because the worker has to attend the program his value of being unemployed drops and he is stimulated to find a job more quickly. So, both effects induce the worker to find a job more quickly. The difference between the treatment effect and the compulsion effect concerns the quality of the postunemployment job. The treatment effect improves the quality; the compulsion effect lowers the quality of postunemployment jobs.
compulsion, active labour market policies
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61.
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Gerard J. van den Berg VU University Amsterdam - Department of Economics A. Gijsbert C. van Lomwel Center Applied Research, Tilburg University Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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06 Jan 04
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Last Revised:
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15 Jul 04
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23 (158,653)
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Abstract:
In this Paper, we simultaneously analyse transitions from unemployment to employment and to non-participation. We estimate a dependent competing risks model with non-parametric specifications of the destination-specific duration dependence and unobserved heterogeneity terms, allowing for mutual dependence of the unobserved heterogeneity terms. We use a unique population data set of French unemployment over the period 1988-94, stratified by gender type, duration class and exit state.
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62.
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Anne C Gielen Maastricht University Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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16 Aug 06
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Last Revised:
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16 Aug 06
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19 (169,979)
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1
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Abstract:
In a dynamic labor market worker-firm matches dissolve frequently causing workers to separate and firms to look for replacements. A separation may be initiated by the worker (a quit) or the firm (a layoff), or may result from a joint decision. A dissolution of a worker-firm match may be inefficient if it can be prevented by wage renegotiation. In this paper we study worker separations in the Dutch labor market. From an analysis of matched worker-firm data we conclude that both quits and layoffs are less likely to occur in high quality matches. We also find that workers with a high propensity to quit are offered higher wages to prevent them to quit. Similarly, workers with a high layoff probability give up some of their wage to prevent them from being laid-off. Despite these wage renegotiations some inefficiency in separations remains. However, there is a clear difference between quits and layoffs. Whereas inefficient quits are rare inefficient layoffs occur frequently. These phenomena may be related to downward wage rigidity. While it is easy to renegotiate higher wages to prevent quits it is much more difficult to renegotiate lower wages to prevent layoffs even if that would overall be beneficial to the workers involved.
Separations, quits, layoffs, matched worker-firm dataset
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63.
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Justus Veenman Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) - Institute for Sociological and Economic Research
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| Posted: |
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31 Jan 03
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Last Revised:
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11 Feb 03
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19 (169,979)
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Abstract:
This Paper is on the early labour market experiences of second-generation immigrants in the Netherlands. We find that for employment rates only are there differences across ethnic groups. Conditional on having a job, there is hardly any difference in wages and other job characteristics between second-generation immigrants and native Dutch of the same age group.
Second-generation immigrants, ethnic minorities, labour market
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64.
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James W. Albrecht Georgetown University - Department of Economics Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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22 Oct 01
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Last Revised:
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06 Nov 01
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19 (169,979)
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2
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Abstract:
This Paper presents a test of the educational signalling hypothesis. If employers use education as a signal in the hiring process, they will rely more on education when less is otherwise known about applicants. We find that employers are more likely to lower educational standards when an informal, more informative recruitment channel is used, so we conclude that education is used as a signal in the hiring process.
Recruitment, signalling
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65.
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Rafael Lalive University of Lausanne - Department of Economics (DEEP) Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Josef Zweimüller University of Zurich - Faculty of Business Administration - Institute for Empirical Research in Economics (IEW)
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| Posted: |
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24 Oct 06
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Last Revised:
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02 Dec 06
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18 (172,785)
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Abstract:
This paper uses microdata to evaluate the impact of an increase in maximum benefit duration on the steady-state unemployment rate. We draw on policy changes in Austria that extended maximum benefit duration from 30 to 52 weeks for individuals above age 50 and from 30 to 39 weeks for individuals between ages 40 and 49. We use these changes to estimate the causal impact of benefit duration on labor market flows and find that (i) the policy changes lead to an increase in the steady-state unemployment rate between 20% and 50%; (ii) surprisingly, most of the increase is due to an increase in the inflow into unemployment, whereas the decrease in the outflow from unemployment is modest; (iii) the effects are stronger for women than for men, but are otherwise rather robust across population subgroups.
maximum benefit duration, unemployment duration, unemployment inflow, equilibrium unemployment
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66.
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Pedro S. Raposo Tilburg University - Center for Economic Research Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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23 Jun 09
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Last Revised:
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23 Jun 09
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17 (175,656)
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| |
Abstract:
December 1, 1996 a new law was implemented in Portugal to gradually reduce the standard workweek from 44 to 40 hours. We study how this mandatory reduction affected employment through job creation and job destruction. We find evidence that the working hours reduction had a positive effect on employment through a fall in job destruction.
Workweek reduction, policy reform, employment dynamics
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67.
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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22 Jan 02
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Last Revised:
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22 Jan 02
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17 (175,656)
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7
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| |
Abstract:
This Paper uses a unique dataset collected among inhabitants of Amsterdam, to study the dynamics in the consumption of cannabis and cocaine. If people start using these drugs they are most likely to do so at age 18-20 for cannabis and age 20-25 for cocaine. An analysis of the starting rates shows some evidence of cannabis being a 'stepping stone' for cocaine. The fact that some individuals use both cannabis and cocaine has, however, to do mostly with (unobserved) personal characteristics and not with the use of cannabis causing the use of cocaine.
Drugs, consumer behaviour
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68.
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Michèle V. K. Belot University of Oxford - Nuffield College Jan Boone Tilburg University - Center for Economic Research Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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11 Jul 07
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Last Revised:
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11 Jul 07
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16 (178,549)
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1
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| |
Abstract:
This paper derives new results on the welfare effects of employment protection. Using data from 17 OECD countries, we show that there exists an inverse U-shape relationship between employment protection and economic growth. Using a simple theoretical model with non-contractible specific investments, we show that over some range increasing employment protection does indeed raise welfare. We also show that the optimal level of employment protection depends on other labour market features, such as the bargaining power of workers and the existence of wage rigidities like the minimum wage.
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69.
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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08 May 06
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Last Revised:
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08 May 06
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16 (178,549)
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| |
Abstract:
This paper investigates the reading of fiction books by 15-year-olds in 18 OECD countries. It appears that girls read fiction books more often than boys, whereas boys read comic books more often than girls. The intensity by which children read fiction books is influenced by parental education, family structure, and the number of books and TVs at home. Reading comic books does not affect the reading of fiction books. Parents who want their children to read fiction books frequently should have a lot of books at home and at most one television.
Reading, books, PISA-data
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70.
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Daniel S. Hamermesh University of Texas at Austin - Department of Economics Wolter H.J. Hassink University of Utrecht - Department of General Social Sciences Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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26 Dec 00
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Last Revised:
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26 Dec 00
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16 (178,549)
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3
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| |
Abstract:
We provide a unified discussion of the relations among flows of workers, changes in employment and changes in the number of jobs at the level of the firm. Using the only available set of data (a nationally representative sample of Dutch firms in 1988 and 1990) we discover that: 1) Nearly half of all hiring is by firms where employment is not growing; 2) Over half of all firing is by firms that are not contracting; 3) Most firing is by firms that are also hiring; 4) Flows of workers within firms are small compared to flows into and out of firms; and 5) Accounting for simultaneous creation and destruction of jobs within firms adds roughly 15 percent to estimates of economywide job creation and destruction. The results imply that macroeconomic fluctuations can have substantial effects beyond those indicated by net employment changes at the firm level, and that studies of dynamic factor demand must account for variations in gross flows of workers.
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71.
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
|
21 Jul 09
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Last Revised:
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10 Aug 09
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14 (184,290)
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| |
Abstract:
For various reasons the relationship between age and productivity is a matter of policy concern. I present new empirical research showing how productivity is affected by age. I study age effects at the individual level by analyzing data on running and publishing in economic journals. Furthermore I present empirical evidence at the firm level on the relationship between age, wage and productivity. In particular I address the potential wage-productivity gap that might occur at higher ages. I conclude that the productivity of older workers indeed decreases with their age. Nevertheless, the decline is limited. Furthermore, I find no evidence of a pay-productivity at higher ages.
age, productivity, matched worker-firm data
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72.
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Victor A. Ginsburgh Catholic University of Louvain - Center for Operations Research and Econometrics (CORE) Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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29 Feb 08
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Last Revised:
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29 Feb 08
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14 (184,290)
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| |
Abstract:
In empirical studies of sequential auctions of identical objects prices have been found to decline. We study three ascending price auctions of ancient Chinese porcelain recovered from shipwrecks, in which there are very long sequences of lots containing the same number of identical objects. In the three auctions different setups were used. We exploit these natural experiments to examine whether some sequences generate more revenue than others. Our results point to the fact that a sequence of lots each of which contains the same numbers of items generates more revenue than lots with varying numbers of items. We also find that over a sequence of lots hammer prices decline and converge to some limit value, which is larger than the pre-sale estimate in the first two sales, and is equal to the pre-sale estimate in the third one.
JEL classification:D44
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73.
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Brian Krogh Graversen Danish National Centre for Social Research (SFI) Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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30 Mar 09
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Last Revised:
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30 Mar 09
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12 (190,078)
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| |
Abstract:
In an experimental setting some Danish unemployed workers were assigned to an activation program while others were not. Unemployed who were assigned to the activation program found a job more quickly. We show that the activation effect increases with the distance between the place of residence of the unemployed worker and the place where the activation took place. We also find that the quality of the post-unemployment jobs was not affected by the activation program. Both findings confirm that activation programs mainly work because they are compulsory and unemployed don't like them.
unemployment insurance, unemployment duration, experiment, activation programs
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74.
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Rafael Lalive University of Lausanne - Department of Economics (DEEP) Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Josef Zweimüller affiliation not provided to SSRN
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| Posted: |
|
23 Dec 07
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Last Revised:
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18 Mar 08
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12 (190,078)
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19
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| |
Abstract:
This article evaluates the effects of Swiss active labor market programs on the job chances of unemployed workers. The main innovation is a comparison of two important dynamic evaluation estimators: the matching estimator and the timing-of-events estimator. We find that both estimators generate different treatment effects. According to the matching estimator temporary subsidized jobs shorten unemployment duration whereas training programs and employment programs do not. In contrast, the timing-of-events estimator suggests that none of the Swiss active labor market programs shortens unemployment duration.
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75.
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Alison L. Booth Australian National University - Research School of Social Sciences (RSSS) Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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25 Jan 08
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Last Revised:
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30 Jan 08
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11 (193,016)
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8
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| |
Abstract:
We investigate the relationship between part-time work and working hours satisfaction, job satisfaction and life satisfaction. We account for interdependence within the family using data on partnered men and women from the British Household Panel Survey. Men have the highest hours-of-work satisfaction if they work full-time without overtime hours but neither their job satisfaction nor their life satisfaction are affected by how many hours they work. Women present a puzzle. Hours satisfaction and job satisfaction indicate that women prefer part-time jobs irrespective of whether these are small or large but their life satisfaction is virtually unaffected by hours of work.
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76.
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|
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
|
30 Jun 09
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Last Revised:
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30 Jun 09
|
|
8 (201,005)
|
|
|
| |
Abstract:
For various reasons the relationship between age and productivity is a matter of policy concern. I present new empirical research showing how productivity is affected by age. I study age effects at the individual level by analyzing data on running and publishing in economic journals. Furthermore I present empirical evidence at the firm level on the relationship between age, wage and productivity. In particular I address the potential wage-productivity gap that might occur at higher ages. I conclude that the productivity of older workers indeed decreases with their age. Nevertheless, the decline is limited. Furthermore, I find no evidence of a pay-productivity at higher ages.
Age, Productivity, Matched worker-firm data
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|
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77.
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|
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Marcel Kerkhofs Tilburg University - OSA Institute for Labour Studies Anne C Gielen Maastricht University
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| Posted: |
|
25 Apr 06
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Last Revised:
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26 Apr 06
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8 (201,005)
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| |
Abstract:
This paper uses information from a panel of Dutch firms to investigate the labour productivity effects of performance related pay (PRP). We find that PRP increases labour productivity at the firm level with about 9%.
Performance related pay, labour productivity
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78.
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Brian Krogh Graversen Danish National Centre for Social Research (SFI) Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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19 Mar 09
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Last Revised:
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19 Mar 09
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6 (205,627)
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| |
Abstract:
In an experimental setting some Danish unemployed workers were assigned to an activation program while others were not. Unemployed who were assigned to the activation program found a job more quickly. We show that the activation effect increases with the distance between the place of residence of the unemployed worker and the place where the activation took place. We also find that the quality of the post-unemployment jobs was not affected by the activation program. Both findings confirm that activation programs mainly work because they are compulsory and unemployed don't like them.
Unemployment insurance, unemployment duration, experiment, activation programs
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|
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79.
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|
How Effective are Unemployment Benefit Sanctions? Looking Beyond Unemployment Exit
|
Show Abstracts |
Hide Abstracts |
Versions (2)
|
hide multiple versions |
Export Bibliographic Info |
|
Patrick P. Arni University of Lausanne - Department of Economics (DEEP) Rafael Lalive University of Lausanne - Department of Economics (DEEP) Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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Posted:
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21 Oct 09
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Last Revised:
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02 Nov 09
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5 (207,765) |
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Patrick P. Arni University of Lausanne - Department of Economics (DEEP) Rafael Lalive University of Lausanne - Department of Economics (DEEP) Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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02 Nov 09
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Last Revised:
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02 Nov 09
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1
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| |
Abstract:
This paper provides a comprehensive evaluation of benefit sanctions, i.e. temporary reductions in unemployment benefits as punishment for noncompliance with eligibility requirements. In addition to the effects on unemployment durations, we evaluate the effects on post-unemployment employment stability, on exits from the labor market and on earnings. In our analysis we use a rich set of Swiss register data which allow us to distinguish between ex ante effects, the effects of warnings and the effects of enforcement of benefit sanctions. Adopting a multivariate mixed proportional hazard approach to address selectivity, we find that both warnings and enforcement increase the job finding rate and the exit rate out of the labor force. Warnings do not affect subsequent employment stability but do reduce post-unemployment earnings. Actual benefit reductions lower the quality of post-unemployment jobs both in terms of job duration as well as in terms of earnings. The net effect of a benefit sanction on post-unemployment income is negative. Over a period of two years after leaving unemployment workers who got a benefit sanction imposed face a net income loss equivalent to 30 days of full pay due to the ex post effect. In addition to that, stricter monitoring may reduce net earnings by up to 4 days of pay for every unemployed worker due to the ex ante effect.
benefit sanctions, earnings effects, unemployment duration, competing-risk duration models
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Patrick P. Arni University of Lausanne - Department of Economics (DEEP) Rafael Lalive University of Lausanne - Department of Economics (DEEP) Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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21 Oct 09
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Last Revised:
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21 Oct 09
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4
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| |
Abstract:
This paper provides a comprehensive evaluation of benefit sanctions, i.e. temporary reductions in unemployment benefits as punishment for noncompliance with eligibility requirements. In addition to the effects on unemployment durations, we evaluate the effects on post-unemployment employment stability, on exits from the labor market and on earnings. In our analysis we use a rich set of Swiss register data which allow us to distinguish between ex ante effects, the effects of warnings and the effects of enforcement of benefit sanctions. Adopting a multivariate mixed proportional hazard approach to address selectivity, we find that both warnings and enforcement increase the job finding rate and the exit rate out of the labor force. Warnings do not affect subsequent employment stability but do reduce post-unemployment earnings. Actual benefit reductions lower the quality of post-unemployment jobs both in terms of job duration as well as in terms of earnings. The net effect of a benefit sanction on post-unemployment income is negative. Over a period of two years after leaving unemployment workers who got a benefit sanction imposed face a net income loss equivalent to 30 days of full pay due to the ex post effect. In addition to that, stricter monitoring may reduce net earnings by up to 4 days of pay for every unemployed worker due to the ex ante effect.
benefit sanctions, earnings effects, unemployment duration, competing-risk duration models
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80.
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Why is There a Spike in the Job Finding Rate at Benefit Exhaustion?
|
Show Abstracts |
Hide Abstracts |
Versions (3)
|
hide multiple versions |
Export Bibliographic Info |
|
Jan Boone Tilburg University - Center for Economic Research Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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|
Posted:
|
|
26 Oct 09
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Last Revised:
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17 Nov 09
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3 (211,585) |
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Jan Boone Tilburg University - Center for Economic Research Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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17 Nov 09
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Last Revised:
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17 Nov 09
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0
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| |
Abstract:
Putting a limit on the duration of unemployment benefits tends to introduce a "spike" in the job finding rate shortly before benefits are exhausted. Current theories explain this spike from workers' behavior. We present a theoretical model in which also the nature of the job matters. End-of-benefit spikes in job finding rates are related to optimizing behavior of unemployed workers who rationally assume that employers will accept delays in the starting date of a new job, especially if these jobs are permanent. We use a dataset on Slovenian unemployment spells to test this prediction and find supporting evidence. We conclude that the spike in the job finding rate suggests that workers exploit unemployment insurance benefits for subsidized leisure.
Spikes, Unemployment
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Jan Boone Tilburg University - Center for Economic Research Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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09 Nov 09
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Last Revised:
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09 Nov 09
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0
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| |
Abstract:
Putting a limit on the duration of unemployment benefits tends to introduce a "spike" in the job finding rate shortly before benefits are exhausted. Current theories explain this spike from workersメ behavior. We present a theoretical model in which also the nature of the job matters. End-of-benefit spikes in job finding rates are related to optimizing behavior of unemployed workers who rationally assume that employers will accept delays in the starting date of a new job, especially if these jobs are permanent. We use a dataset on Slovenian unemployment spells to test this prediction and find supporting evidence. We conclude that the spike in the job finding rate suggests that workers exploit unemployment insurance benefits for subsidized leisure.
unemployment benefits, spikes
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Jan Boone Tilburg University - Center for Economic Research Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
|
26 Oct 09
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Last Revised:
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26 Oct 09
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3
|
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| |
Abstract:
Putting a limit on the duration of unemployment benefits tends to introduce a “spike" in the job finding rate shortly before benefits are exhausted. Current theories explain this spike from workers' behavior. We present a theoretical model in which also the nature of the job matters. End-of-benefit spikes in job finding rates are related to optimizing behavior of unemployed workers who rationally assume that employers will accept delays in the starting date of a new job, especially if these jobs are permanent. We use a dataset on Slovenian unemployment spells to test this prediction and find supporting evidence. We conclude that the spike in the job finding rate suggests that workers exploit unemployment insurance benefits for subsidized leisure.
unemployment benefits, spikes
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81.
|
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Brian Krogh Graversen Danish National Centre for Social Research (SFI) Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
|
28 Jun 07
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Last Revised:
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13 May 08
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2 (213,727)
|
12
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| |
Abstract:
This paper investigates how a mandatory activation program in Denmark affects the job finding rate of unemployed workers. The activation program was introduced in an experimental setting where about half of the workers who became unemployed in the period from November 2005 to March 2006 were randomly assigned to the program while the other half was not. It appears that the activation program is very effective. The median unemployment duration of the control group is 14 weeks, while it is 11.5 weeks for the treatment group. The analysis shows that the job finding rate in the treatment group is 30% higher than in the control group. This result is mainly driven by the more intensive contacts between the unemployed and the public employment service.
Experiment, Unemployment duration, Unemployment insurance
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82.
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Patrick P. Arni University of Lausanne - Department of Economics (DEEP) Rafael Lalive University of Lausanne - Department of Economics (DEEP) Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
|
17 Nov 09
|
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Last Revised:
|
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17 Nov 09
|
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0 (0)
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| |
Abstract:
This paper provides a comprehensive evaluation of benefit sanctions, i.e. temporary reductions in unemployment benefits as punishment for noncompliance with eligibility requirements. In addition to the effects on unemployment durations, we evaluate the effects on post-unemployment employment stability, on exits from the labor market and on earnings. In our analysis we use a rich set of Swiss register data which allow us to distinguish between ex ante effects, the effects of warnings and the effects of enforcement of benefit sanctions. Adopting a multivariate mixed proportional hazard approach to address selectivity, we find that both warnings and enforcement increase the job finding rate and the exit rate out of the labor force. Warnings do not affect subsequent employment stability but do reduce post-unemployment earnings. Actual benefit reductions lower the quality of post-unemployment jobs both in terms of job duration as well as in terms of earnings. The net effect of a benefit sanction on post-unemployment income is negative. Over a period of two years after leaving unemployment workers who got a benefit sanction imposed face a net income loss equivalent to 30 days of full pay due to the ex post effect. In addition to that, stricter monitoring may reduce net earnings by up to 4 days of pay for every unemployed worker due to the ex ante effect.
Benefit sanctions, competing-risk duration models, earnings effects, unemployment duration
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83.
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Brian Krogh Graversen Danish National Centre for Social Research (SFI) Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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07 Apr 09
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Last Revised:
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07 Apr 09
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0 (0)
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Abstract:
In an experimental setting some Danish unemployed workers were assigned to an activation program while others were not. Unemployed who were assigned to the activation program found a job more quickly. We show that the activation effect increases with the distance between the place of residence of the unemployed worker and the place where the activation took place. We also find that the quality of the post-unemployment jobs was not affected by the activation program. Both findings confirm that activation programs mainly work because they are compulsory and unemployed don't like them.
Activation program, Experiment, Unemployment duration, Unemployment insurance
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84.
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Alison L. Booth Australian National University - Research School of Social Sciences (RSSS) Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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02 Jan 09
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Last Revised:
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02 Jan 09
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0 (0)
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7
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Abstract:
Taking into account interdependence within the family, we investigate the relationship between part-time work and family wellbeing. We use panel data from the Household, Income and Labor Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey. We find that part-time women are more satisfied with working hours than full-time women, and that women's life satisfaction is increased if their partners work full-time. Male partners' life satisfaction is unaffected by their partners' market hours but is increased if they themselves are working full-time. Our results are consistent with the gender identity hypothesis.
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85.
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Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics Justus Veenman Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) - Institute for Sociological and Economic Research
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09 Jun 08
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Last Revised:
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09 Jun 08
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0 (0)
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4
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Abstract:
The allocation of Moluccan immigrants across towns and villages at arrival in the Netherlands and the subsequent formation of interethnic marriages resemble a natural experiment. The exogenous variation in marriage formation allows us to estimate the causal effect of interethnic marriages on the educational attainment of children from such marriages. We find that children from Moluccan fathers and native mothers have a higher educational attainment than children from ethnic homogeneous Moluccan couples or children from a Moluccan mother and a native father.
Educational Attainment, Interethnic marriages
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86.
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A. Gijsbert C. van Lomwel Center Applied Research, Tilburg University Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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14 May 04
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Last Revised:
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16 Sep 04
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0 (0)
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Abstract:
The Netherlands experienced a major increase in the number of jobs over the past decade.We show that the spectacular growth of the number of part-time jobs was an important reason for employment growth and the related decline in unemployment.
Part-time employment, unemployment
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87.
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Pieter A. Gautier Free University of Amsterdam Gerard J. van den Berg VU University Amsterdam - Department of Economics Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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09 May 01
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Last Revised:
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09 May 01
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0 (0)
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Abstract:
This paper analyzes the determinants of lay-offs, job-to-job movements and total separations with a unique data set that combines information on individual firms and their workers. We are in particular interested in whether the lay-off policy of firms can explain the relatively high level of unemployment amongst lower educated workers and the relatively strong sensitivity of their unemployment rate to the business cycle. We find that lay-off rates decrease with education but that the change over the cycle in the lay-off rate of workers with a lower level of education compared to that of workers with a higher level of education can not explain the stronger cyclicality of the unemployment rate for lower educated workers. We conclude that this stronger cyclicality is not due to the personnel policy of firms.
unemployment, labour mobility
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88.
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Stephen John Nickell London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE) - Centre for Economic Performance (CEP) Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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10 Jan 01
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Last Revised:
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10 Jan 01
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0 (0)
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Abstract:
Unemployment rates in both the UK and the Netherlands have declined substantially since the early 1980s. This has been a decline in equilibrium unemployment, the result of combinations of supply-oriented policies. The combinations are partly overlapping and partly differing between the two countries. The main difference is in wage negotiations: where the Dutch unions were already cooperative, British unions were made to cooperate. The main overlap is in the popularity of part-time work and the re-enforcement of financial incentives for work for unemployed workers collecting benefits.
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89.
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Gerard J. van den Berg VU University Amsterdam - Department of Economics Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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14 Dec 99
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Last Revised:
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14 Dec 99
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0 (0)
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Abstract:
This paper investigates the degree to which the individual exit rate out of unemployment for young job seekers changes as a function of the elapsed unemployment duration. We use a nonparametric estimation method for population data on outflows from different duration classes. The method also provides estimates of the amount of unobserved heterogeneity in these data. We explicitly take into account that individual exit rates are affected by the business cycle. The method is applied to population data on young French unemployed job seekers. The results are used for policy recommendations.
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90.
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L. Broersma University of Groningen - Department of Economics & Department of Spatial Sciences Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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14 Oct 99
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Last Revised:
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14 Oct 99
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0 (0)
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Abstract:
This paper stresses the importance of a specification of the matching function in which the measure of job matches corresponds to the measure of job searchers. In many empirical studies on the matching function this requirement has not been fulfilled because it is difficult to find information about employed job searchers and job searchers from outside the labor market. In this paper, we specify and estimate matching functions where the flow corresponds to the correct stock. We use several approximations for the stock of non-unemployed job searchers. We find that the estimation results are sensitive to the approximation we use. Our main conclusion is that it is important to account for the behavior of non-unemployed job searchers since otherwise the estimated parameters of the matching function may be seriously biased.
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91.
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Martina Lubyova Slovak Academy of Sciences - Institute for Forecasting Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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14 Oct 99
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Last Revised:
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14 Oct 99
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0 (0)
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Abstract:
The system of active labor market policies (ALMP) in the Slovak Republic consists to a large extent of the creation of socially purposeful and publicly useful jobs and of retraining of unemployed workers. So far, the effects of these types of active labor market policies have hardly been analyzed. This paper uses a unique administrative data from 20 Slovak districts to analyze to what extent it is beneficial for unemployed workers who want a regular job to accept a temporary ALMP-job or enter a retraining program. We find that indeed it is beneficial for workers to do so.
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92.
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Martina Lubyova Slovak Academy of Sciences - Institute for Forecasting Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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31 Dec 98
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Last Revised:
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12 Jan 99
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0 (0)
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Abstract:
In this paper we investigate whether the potential disincentive effects of the Slovak benefit system have an actual meaning. Using data from subsequent labor force surveys we study the determinants of the outflow from unemployment to a job and the determinants of the outflow to out of the labor force. We find that single unemployed, highly educated unemployed and unemployed living in the capital Bratislava have higher exit rates both to a job and to out of the labor force. The characteristic with a distinctly different effect on both exit rates is the previous labor market position. We also find that there are fluctuations in the hazard rate over the duration of unemployment. However, these fluctuations are not very informative. The direct indicators of the type of unemployment benefit do not affect the exit rates, neither do the indirect indicators like, for example, the presence of young children. Although there are potential disincentive effects in the Slovak benefit system we find no evidence that these potential effects materialize.
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93.
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E.W. van Luijk Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment in The Hague Jan C. van Ours Tilburg University - Department of Economics
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| Posted: |
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04 Dec 98
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Last Revised:
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04 Dec 98
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0 (0)
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Abstract:
Consumption of drugs is a major problem in modern society. Yet, not much is known about it from an economic point of view. The illegal nature of drug use makes it difficult to collect reliable data for empirical analysis. The current paper avoids this problem by using historical data that are collected under a government regime of legal drug use. In the early twentieth century in the Dutch East Indies (present day Indonesia) there was a government monopoly on opium. We use data from 1930 administrative files on this monopoly to study regional differences in opium consumption. From the nature of these differences we make inferences about the determinants of opium consumption. We find that regional differences in opium policy, in population density and in composition of the Chinese part of the population are the major determinants of regional differences in opium consumption.
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